Continuing our adventure in the Texoma AVA, we visited Arché Winery & Vineyard (website) in St. Jo, Texas. It’s pronounced – Are-kay. (Think southern – RK) We did two tastings, but repeated one wine, so this “flight” will have 3 wines and the next will have four.
Chardonnay
Their Notes: Estate. Texas Class Champion Houston Rodeo Uncorked International Wine Competition.
My Notes: This got a star by it, which was our way of noting what we wanted to purchase. It reminded one of our party of Iter, which fits with my notes of “rivals California.” It’s a “loud” buttery Chardonnay. Perfect for a Wednesday or Thursday. This was the wine that was doubled in our tasting, and the individual in the tasting room was right – we did enjoy it.
Dolcetto
Their Notes: Grapes sourced from Diamante Doble Vineyards in the Texas High Plains AVA. Aged 12 months in French barrels
My Notes: This has a nice warm cherry flavor with hints of wood (you can taste the oak). It’s a Tuesday wine that needs food. Not meant to sip on its own.
Cabernet Sauvignon 2019
Their Notes: Grapes sourced from Six Harts Vineyard, Texas High Plains AVA
My Notes: This got mixed reviews from the group, so depending on who you ask it’s a Monday to Wednesday wine. One taster suggested cooking with it, while another argued you should never cook with anything you wouldn’t drink. My notes say it has a tomato leaf scent with a bit of spice in the flavor, but overall an average cab. Despite the dry middle taste, I expected more from a Texas High Plains Cabernet.
Final Thoughts
The venue is lovely, albeit quite hidden – but that adds to the charm of the location. Driving through winding back country roads to access the gravel road to the winery and then winding through trees to finally spot the vineyard on the hill makes for an impressive introduction. I’m sad the wines, other than the Chardonnay, in this flight didn’t live up to the introduction. The flatbread, on the other hand, was quite tasty.
[…] If you missed the Flight 1 write up – you can find it here. […]